earthfirst – Page 292

Norwich Rising Tide – First Action

6.05.2007
NRT Spoof action – ‘Build the NDR: Concrete is Freedom!’ Posing as members of the fictional Coalition for Roads And Progress (C.R.A.P), and brandishing placards bearing slogans such as ‘Re-tarmac the streets!’, ‘Oil is Good for the Planet’ and ‘The NDR – an industrial paradise’ we held a series of mock press conferences outside the Forum in Norwich city centre.

On a fine Saturday morning in May, 15 activists headed into Norwich city centre to hold a roving protest against the proposed Northern Distributor Road (NDR). Posing as members of the fictional Coalition for Roads And Progress (C.R.A.P), we held a series of mock press conferences outside the Forum, where the County Council are holding an exhibition about plans for the NDR.

Standing in front of a banner reading ‘Build the NDR: Concrete is Freedom’, and surrounded by a crowd of supporters waving placards bearing slogans such as ‘Spend More Time in Your Car!’ and ‘Who Needs Green Space or Peace and Quiet?’, the press conference heard from C.R.A.P members about their reasons for supporting the NDR.

Dr. Seymour Rhodes presented new medical research about the health benefits of air pollution and the risks of excessive walking or cycling. Mr. I. Sellmore, the developer on the panel, blew away the myth that the NDR will ease traffic congestion, instead insisting that it will replace the peaceful villages in North Norwich with a new industrial paradise. Councillor Theresa Gone reassured audience members that the £100 million cost of the road would not go over budget, challenging them to name any large infrastructure projects around the country that had not come in on time and on budget.

At the close of the press conference, which came with much applause from the crowd that had assembled, the coalition members stepped out of character and began distributing leaflets to passers-by and talking with them about the NDR project.

After an hour outside the Forum, we moved locations to the market square, where the press conference was repeated for the bustling Saturday morning shopping crowd.

‘It was fun to watch, and really inspiring to see people communicating such an important message in such a creative way,’ said one of the audience members.

Today’s protest was intended to be a light-hearted way of pointing out some major concerns we and many others have about the proposed NDR. The pitfalls of the project have become so great as to border on the ridiculous, and we thought we could play on this as a fun and unusual way to engage passers by.

See below for the leaflet handed out on the day, which explains both C.R.A.P.’s comically pro-road position and our own concerns about the NDR.

It was a fun way to spend a Saturday morning, and a successful and inspiring first outing for the new Norwich Rising Tide group. Watch this space (and www.risingtide.org.uk/norwich) for more actions against the NDR and other local climate criminals!

norwich@risingtide.org.uk
http://www.risingtide.org.uk/norwich

Spoof Placards

Here’s a full list of the spoof placards that Coalition for Roads And Progress (C.R.A.P) members were brandishing yesterday: –

NDR – an Urban Industrial Paradise
Re-tarmac the Streets
Oil is Good for the Planet!
Escape Flooding … by Car
Wimpey say bring on the NDR
Urban is Joy!
Reward Fat Cats
Who needs Green Space or Peace and Quiet?
Concrete is Freedom
More Concrete, More Pollution
Hoorah for the NDR – Spend more time in your Car
Tescos Loves the NDR
Car Fumes are Cheaper than Cigarettes
More Concrete, Fewer Trees
The NDR – You know it Makes Sense!
More Concrete, Less Greenery
May Gurney has our Best Interests at Heart
Growth is Happiness
Support Your Local Shareholder
Walking is a Waste of Time!

Cornwall goes Critical

At midday this Sat 5th May cyclists gathered in the town square in Falmouth for the towns first Critical Mass bike ride. The celebration of combustion free liberty, picnics and ever so slightly fancy dress boasted nearly 50 riders. There was loads of diversity, from skater boys to hippy chicks, bikey blokes to art students, crusties, middle aged professionals, old Earthfirsters, and families with kids. Not bad for a small town virtually falling off the edge of the country.

The samba band grabbed a fair bit of attention for the initial gathering, and then everyone set off for a rather disjointed but joyous perambulation down the town. The response from the high street was a dramatic, several jaws literally dropped. Once people got over the shock almost everyone grinned. There was very little driver lairyness, and the police (who had been taken unawares, and weren’t there to mind the start) made no really interventions.

Saturday lunch is of course an unusual time for a Critical Mass, but it does kind of make sense in a small tourism based community, and a good time was generally agreed to have been had by all…There are plans to do it regular.

These photos aren’t particularly representative of the ride, but do show lots of people being happy on bikes.

Gloucester pipeline action group

May 6, 2007
There has been an action group formed in Gloucester to raise awareness about the pipeline and to protest against the pipeline. We meet up around once month and also stage direct actions, put on benefit gigs and have info stalls in Gloucester and at local events. Please send an email to fightthepipe@hotmail.co.uk for more information or contact us through our myspace http://www.myspace.com/fightingthepipe

We would love to hear from anyone whether you just want email updates on what we are doing, put up a few posters and give leaflets to friends or get involved with direct actions.

Together we can make a difference!

SHAC TAKES THE FLAK: FLIMSY PRETEXT FOR COUNTRY-WIDE ARRESTS OF ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS

4.5.07
In yet another hammerblow aimed at the animal rights movement, police made 32 arrests across the UK in the early hours of Tuesday morning in ‘Operation Achilles’. Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Leppard of Kent Police says the arrests are “one of the largest, if not the largest, police operation that has targeted animal extremism in the UK.” Three properties were also searched in Belgium and the Netherlands.

700 police were involved as homes and animal sanctuaries were raided, with police seizing computers, mobile phones and cash. The whole operation was designed with maximum publicity in mind – the press were tipped off in advance and dutifully reported on the latest crackdown on animal rights ‘extremism’. Almost all those arrested had some connection with the SHAC campaign

Of course what didn’t hit the headlines was the number of properties raided without arrests being made and the fact that 24 hours later only nine of those arrested had been charged – two with blackmail and the other seven with ‘conspiracy to blackmail’. Twenty were released on bail and one without charge. Two of those nicked, main organisers in the SHAC campaign, have been held for further questioning.

Crucially, the police investigation – in a nod to corporate martial law – used intelligence and forensic support from the private sector. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry greeted news of the raids with glee: “News of today’s operation will act as a great fillip to the medical research community across Europe,” said a statement issued by Aisling Burnand, chief executive of Britain’s BioIndustry Association.

One source close to SHAC told SchNEWS, “This has all the hallmarks of a fishing expedition, designed to cause massive disruption to animal rights campaigns and show Big Pharma here and abroad that the police are making strides against the animal rights movement.”

NETCU CLOSES IN

As details emerged of the botched raid on Freshfields Animal Sanctuary in Liverpool, sanctuary head Dave Callendar told SchNEWS, “At 5.30 they kicked in the door and seized three staff members. At 6.20 they seized two others as they turned up for work. There were about sixty coppers – they set up a cordon and refused access to anyone. Those seized were held in vans but not arrested. My farm manager had his collarbone broken after he was grabbed by three police when he climbed the back wall to check on our pigs. He was held in a van for three hours and refused access to medical attention. Although the police brought an RSPCA inspector with them it was clear that when we regained access to the site that nothing had been done for the animals. Also they allowed animals to escape, which we’re still looking for. They took every single piece of hardware, mobile phones, photocopiers, you name it – but they didn’t take a single piece of paperwork. It’s difficult to see it as anything other then deliberate intimidation and disruption – nobody here is involved with the Huntingdon campaign. We’re a pro-active community organisation and we’re not going to let them walk all over us.”

The raids come against a backdrop of a decline in criminal incidents related to animal rights and demonstrate that the National Extremism Tactical Co-ordinating Unit’s (see www.netcu.org.uk) efforts are now aimed firmly at the ‘legitimate’ above ground animal rights movement. With SHAC once again able to conduct demos outside HLS (see SchNEWS 581) and activism spreading across Europe, Britain’s political police seem intent on decapitating the A.R. movement, by any means necessary.

* See www.shac.net for more
* Freshfields Animal Sanctuary see www.freshfieldsrescue.org.uk

The Basement Fire / Flood Update. WE NEED YOU!

The Basement is a social centre in Central Manchester with a vegan cafe, activist library, bookshop, computer hub and exhibition space. We have been badly affected by the massive fire on Monday and we are appealing for help so we can get back open again as soon as possible.

The Basement Social Centre in Manchester was badly damaged in the huge fire which started on Dale Street on Monday morning. It is now closed for essential repairs but we hope to open again in the near future, In the meantime apologies to all our user groups, customers and friends.

Luckily we did not go up in flames; however we have suffered smoke damage and more significantly severe flood damage from our sprinkler system

Some of us were able to briefly go in and salvage important items; the scene that greeted us was grim but rather less apocalyptic than we first feared. There were puddles of water rather than the 2 metres we were warned about but many books, leaflets and art works are well beyond repair. Ceiling tiles have come down and we can not yet be sure how badly affected the IT hub and kitchen are.

We are not currently able to gain access to start the clean up or even fully assess the damage, this is because the area is still deemed unsafe until adjacent buildings are demolished. Latest reports suggest we will be able to get in sometime next week. This is incredibly frustrating and obviously damp things will fester so we are facing a huge challenge,

When we are able to start we would be hugely grateful for any help with the clean up. Its going to be a massive task and the more volunteers the better. We will also need financial support because although we do have some insurance it will not cover all our losses. Extensive renovation and restocking will be necessary and we really do need you.

We have all been touched by many messages of solidarity and support we have received. Thank you everybody. Cheers also to the Fire Brigade who have been ace.

We now ask that you think about turning kind words into action. We have a new website which includes a place to register offers of practical help and also an online donation facility. Any contributions you can make, physical or financial will be much appreciated.

Please go to http://thebasement.clearerchannel.org/new/

The Basement will rise, phoenix like, and be stronger and more glorious – but we will need the help of our friends and supporters to do so

Love and underwater kisses

The Basement Collective
mustsocial@yahoo.co.uk

critical masses of people in manchester cm!

last fridays critical mass had well over a hundred people riding through the streets of manchester.. it was an amazing feeling, we chatted and sang along to the soundsystem and rode around in the sun..it was ace.. loads of people cheered and we had no bother whatsoever.. afterwards we went to hang out in the park it really was fantastic.

see some photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/spinneyhead/476759467/in/set-72157600155903889/

the next one is friday 25th may meet 6pm central library

Plane Stupid mark ten years of Blair – BAA HQ blocked

2.05.2007 Green activists today marked the tenth anniversary of Tony Blair coming to power by visiting his best friends in industry to highlight the revolving door between Labour and the aviation industry and his failure to tackle climate change. (1) A team of protestors from climate action group, Plane Stupid, (2) are blocking the ‘revolving door’ to BAA’s Heathrow HQ to oppose government and industry plans for airport expansion.

The activists have chained up the front doors to the offices and have dumped copies of the science of climate change, reports from the UN and from the Tyndall Centre, into the reception area. The activists have pledged not to allow the staff out until they’ve read the science. Other campaigners have unfurled a banner outside the building stating, “Read the science. www.planestupid.com”

Campaigner for Plane Stupid, Leo Murray, explained:

“In years to come, Blair will be remembered for systematically approving climate-wrecking projects like airport expansion. But it might not have happened if it weren’t for the fact that the revolving door between Labour and BAA just hasn’t stopped spinning.” (3) (4)

He added:

“We can’t believe that if BAA had read the science, they’d still be pushing ahead with their climate-crazy plans for airport expansion. With Blair preparing to leave office, UN climate scientists gathering in Bangkok, and the hottest April on record, it’s time BAA used their enormous influence to tell Blair to ditch expansion plans or leave with a legacy of failing on climate change.”

This Friday’s IPCC report on mitigation of climate emissions, a draft copy of which has been obtained by Plane Stupid, confirms, “Land use planning and transport demand management can make a significant contribution.”

Plane Stupid are one of the groups behind the advertisements in today’s national newspapers headlined, “Vote for climate change.” (5)

Notes for Editors:

(1) The BAA/Labour revolving door:
– In advance of the government’s 2003 aviation white paper which paved the way for their expansion programme, BAA was the main supporter of lobby group, “Freedom to fly.” This group is thought to be the brain child of Steve Hardwick, Director of Public Affairs at BAA who took time out to work on the Labour election campaigns of 1997 and 2001.
– “Freedom to fly” was directed by John Prescott’s former personal political advisor from 1999-2001, Joe Irvin. When, after a year, Joe Irvin resigned, he was replaced by Dan Hodges. Hodges is the son of Glenda Jackson MP, who happens to have been Labour’s first aviation minister.
– Joe Irvin has this week been appointed as one of Gordon Brown’s top advisors (4)
– BAA’s “Freedom to Fly” was chaired by Labour peer, Brenda Dean.
– The government appointed AviaSolutions to assess the responses to its consultation on expansion. AviaSolutions is run by former high-flyers from BAA, Seamus Healey, Paul Eden and his wife, Liz. Also on the company’s board was Lyne Meredith, who previously worked as BAA’s director of planning and environment.
– BAA hosts from its West London offices, “Future Heathrow,” an industry lobby group chaired by Labour peer, Lord Soley. Launched personally by then-transport secretary, Alistair Darling, it was established to ensure that the third runway and sixth terminal is built.

(2) Plane Stupid is Britain’s first national direct action group against the unsustainable aviation growth. www.planestupid.com

(3) For more details and sources on the revolving door between BAA and Labour: http://www.turnuptheheat.org/?page_id=24

(4) http://news.independent.co.uk/people/pandora/article2483864.ece and http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007180865,00.html

(5) For more on the ads, including the press release, see www.spurt-aviation.com

For interviews/info:

press@planestupid.com
www.planestupid.com

– ENDS –

At 5.30pm – four people were arrrested for aggravated trespass after BAA refused to read the science.

Squaf: Sheffield Squat Café and Social Centre

Opening tonight, 1st May 2007, for a limited time only (depending on input), is a new squatted social centre and café in the former Tramway pub on London Road, Sheffield. The first event is a Open Mic Night from 8pm, other planned events include:

# Café
# Freeshop
# Bike Workshops
# Gigs
# Workshops
# Women’s day
# Discussions
# Bar-B-Qs’

For more info see the SQUAF web site: http://www.squaf.aktivix.org/

End of the line for coal: Protestors blockade coal trains, New Zealand/Aotearoa

Press release: Save happy Valley Christchurch
Sunday 29th April 2007

Save Happy Valley members have locked onto the train tracks near Christchurch to call for an end to new coal mines in New Zealand. Other members have hung a twenty-two metre banner – ‘Solid Energy: Govt Sponsored Climate Chaos – along two of the coal wagons. They are on Kirk Road, Templeton.

Press release: Save happy Valley Christchurch
Sunday 29th April 2007

“Catastrophic climatic events are already occurring; climate change is happening now,” said Graham Jury, Save Happy Valley Christchurch spokesperson. “Earlier this year New Zealand finally reached the end of the line for coal fired power stations. It must also be the end of the line for coal mining.”

Two activists are locked onto the tracks, while a further twenty are on the tracks by the train. Save Happy Valley works for the protection of Happy Valley, proposed site of Solid Energy’s next opencast mine on the West Coast of the South Island. The group also campaigns for a just and swift transition away from coal mining.

“Solid Energy is ever increasing its production, leaving decimated ecosystems and waterways in its wake. Already, they are responsible for annual carbon dioxide emissions approximately equivalent to New Zealand’s entire transport fleet. Saying “no” to new coal mines would be an easy first step in actually addressing climate change,” said Simon Riddel, one of the activists locked to the tracks.

“The world’s climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable and human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are evidently responsible. The fossil fuel industry is a preventable cause,” said Gregory Curline, the second activist ‘on the line.’

“Half of the coal extracted is sent off shore, generating emissions outside of our Kyoto Protocol obligations. However, New Zealand is responsible for the coal it exports. The Government must pull its state owned enterprise back under control,” said Mr Jury.

// ENDS

Media Contact
Graham Jury, Save Happy Valley Christchurch spokesperson, 0273070448

Notes
In March 2007, Mighty River Power, another SOE, announced that it had discarded its plans to turn Marsden B into an operational coal fired power station.

http://savehappyvalley.org.nz

Cambridge Climate Camp meetup

Hey all. There will be a meeting on Sat May 5 at 7pm for anyone in Cambridge and East Anglia generally who is interested in going to the Camp for Climate Action on August 14-21, 2007. People who were at last year’s camp will talk about what it was like, and we will have a chance to get to know each-other and talk about going as a group to the climate camp.

The meeting is in the McCrum Seminar room in Corpus Christi College. The directions to Corpus are here: www.corpus.cam.ac.uk/about/directions.htm To get to the McCrum Seminar room, head to the McCrum lecture theatre off Benet St (marked on the map – its next to the Eagle pub); but turn right in front of the lecture theatre, up some stairs. Directly ahead are some more steps going down to the left, go down those into a passageway and the McCrum Seminar room is to the right.

The Camp for Climate Action (www.climatecamp.org.uk) is a week-long event that will include workshops about climate change and other topics, entertainment, alternative technology, low-tech living, and direct action against some of the industrial polluters that cause climate change.

Please invite anyone who might be interested.

cambridge@lists.riseup.net
http://www.cambridgeaction.net